Services
Individual
ABC Counseling offers evidence-based therapy to individuals ages 12-30 and their caregivers. In an initial intake you will be provided with a comprehensive assessment and psychoeducation around your treatment options.
Psychological Assessment Service
Different from neuropsychological assessment, psychological assessment investigates a deeper understanding of the personality construction of the individual client. We use evidence-based assessment practices and follow a multi-method, multi-source approach to gathering information. Benefits of psychological assessment include diagnostic clarity, a clearer understanding of what psychological factors might be interfering in treatment progress, and how best to address those barriers. You will also receive gentle, clear, accessible feedback intended to help you, caregivers, and/or referring providers develop a clearer understanding of the psychological challenges at hand and the most effective next steps toward healing.
Evidence Based Trauma Therapy
Prolonged Exposure is a cognitive-behavioral therapy which is aimed to treat people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DBT-PE combines Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Prolonged Exposure to treat individuals with PTSD and co-occurring disorders that have manifested in self harm and suicidal behavior.
Caregiver Involvement
Individual Therapy with Caregiver Support
There are times when an adolescent’s needs require the understanding and support of a caregiver, and direct communication is overwhelming to the child. Our therapists are equipped to offer supported communication in sessions that involve caregivers as it pertains to the adolescent’s needs and goals. Sometimes, caregivers also need support in communicating with their child, and this is another situation where conjoint sessions may be indicated.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Parent Guidance
DBT parent guidance is for parents of children who are taking part in DBT therapy. The treatment can support parents to “speak the language” of DBT with their child. It can also help parents make more effective decisions around their child’s problem behaviors and their typical adolescent behaviors. Learned skills are then reinforced through availability of in-between session phone-coaching. At times, family therapy or parent DBT groups may be recommended in addition to parent guidance.
Groups
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Training Groups
DBT skills training groups are offered to three different age levels: middle school, high school, and college age members. The group is designed as a lecture and learning based platform in which members are taught the five DBT modules, including skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and walking the middle path. Multiple learning strategies are incorporated, including role-playing, homework sharing and watching relevant video clips to provide context for skills application. This group aims to provide effective ways of coping, decrease harmful behaviors, and enhance quality of life. Enrollment criteria: minimum 24-week commitment and a DBT outpatient therapist.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Integration Groups
DBT skills integration groups are for individuals who have already learned the DBT modules and want to continue generalizing their skill set with peer group support. This group is designed as an agenda-based forum in which members are encouraged to bring items for discussion. Topics may include skills coaching, validation, reinforcement of skill use, and problem solving. Minimum group criteria: Eligible participants must have previously learned the five DBT modules and be in Stage 2 DBT (minimum 3 months without life threatening behaviors). Participants will have a willingness to participate and engage with their peers, have an outpatient therapist and are able to commit to a 16-week course of treatment.
Adolescent DBT Multi-Family Skills Group
This 24-week group treatment meets for 2 hours each week and is designed for adolescents and at least one caregiver to attend together. Teens that have recently been discharged from a higher level of care (such as an inpatient hospital) and/or those that have had other courses of therapy meant to address self-harm and suicidal behavior but with limited effect are recommended for this group. Caregivers are included among the participants in order for them to receive and adopt the philosophy and skills of the treatment alongside their teen. This enables caregivers to coach and support their teen in real time during moments of dysregulation. As well, families often find comfort and community in moving through this curriculum with other families who are facing similar challenges.
DBT Skills Group for Caregivers
This 14-week course will guide caregivers through the background and foundational knowledge of DBT skills. Enrolling in this course assumes that your adolescent is or has recently been in DBT skills group treatment, and you are seeking the same philosophical and practical understanding of how they are learning to manage dysregulation. This learning group will cover the majority of the skills rooted in the DBT approach to managing cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal dysregulation. Participants are asked to be active learners that are committed to learning, practicing, and applying the techniques. The goal of this course is to enhance caregiver capacity for skills coaching that will support your child’s treatment and recovery.